Foreign Aircraft N-Numbers

I am a relatively new VFR pilot, and when I'm not flying a Cessna 172, I
like to practice flying using Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. I recently
downloaded & installed on FS2004 a very nice French single engine
all-composite general aviation aircraft called an APM20 Lionceau (Lion cub).
This is just a great VFR aircraft, and I really love flying this virtual
aircraft on my PC. I would like to repaint it and give it a new call sign
and US-format N number. It already has a European ID number on the rear
fuselage and the top & bottom of the starboard wing. The ID number for this
aircraft is F-GRRF but I would like to put a US-format N-number on it like
N3456RL.
I would like this virtual airplane to be as close to real life as
possible, so here is my question: If someone from the US buys a foreign
general aviation aircraft that already has a foreign-format identification
already painted on it, then brings it to the US, does that person have to
have it licensed by the US FAA, and have a US-format N-number painted on the
fuselage? Does the foreign identification number have to be removed? Can
both numbers be displayed? I hope someone knows what the proper procedure is
& can fill me in. Thanks in advamce.

Randy L.

--
|
Those who expect life to be "fair" are doomed to a life of disappointment.

Hi,

if you register your aircraft in the U.S., it can be stationed outside - in
France, for example. As there's just one registration allowed (and the
aircraft has to be clearly identifiable), you have to remove both the
registration and the flag and replace it with stars and stripes and the
correct N-number.

Patrick

On 2003-12-17 23:54:03 -0800, "Patrick Mayer" said:

you have to remove both the
registration and the flag and replace it with stars and stripes and the
correct N-number.

The flag is not required.

here is my question: If someone from the US buys a foreign
general aviation aircraft that already has a foreign-format identification
already painted on it, then brings it to the US, does that person have to
have it licensed by the US FAA, and have a US-format N-number painted on
the
fuselage?

No. The aircraft can be registered anywhere, as long as you maintain it
according to the country of registration's laws. There may be time limits on
the importation of foreign registered aircraft in the US. I don't know.

Does the foreign identification number have to be removed?

Only if you register it in the US.

Can
both numbers be displayed?

No. The plane must only display the registration numbers of the country it
is registered in, and it may only be registered in one country.

JMO
Harvey

"Eclipsme" wrote in message
. ..
here is my question: If someone from the US buys a foreign
general aviation aircraft that already has a foreign-format
identification
already painted on it, then brings it to the US, does that person have
to
have it licensed by the US FAA, and have a US-format N-number painted on
the
fuselage?

No. The aircraft can be registered anywhere, as long as you maintain it
according to the country of registration's laws. There may be time limits
on
the importation of foreign registered aircraft in the US. I don't know.

Does the foreign identification number have to be removed?

Only if you register it in the US.

Can
both numbers be displayed?

No. The plane must only display the registration numbers of the country it
is registered in, and it may only be registered in one country.

JMO
Harvey

Thanks to all of you for the info, I really appreciate the help. Have a very
merry Christmas!

Randy L.